{
    "term": "severity",
    "partOfSpeech": "noun",
    "definitions": [
        {
            "senseNumber": 1,
            "definition": "the fact or condition of something being extremely bad or serious",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "A prison sentence should match the severity of the crime."
                },
                {
                    "text": "The chances of a full recovery will depend on the severity of her injuries."
                },
                {
                    "text": "the severity of the problem"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 2,
            "definition": "the fact of something, especially a punishment, being very strict or extreme",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "The severity of the sentence surprised many people."
                }
            ],
            "synonyms": "harshness (1)"
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 3,
            "definition": "the fact of not being kind and not showing sympathy or approval",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "He frowned with mock severity."
                }
            ],
            "synonyms": "sternness"
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 4,
            "definition": "the fact of being extremely difficult and requiring a lot of skill or ability",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "The severity of the task ahead became apparent."
                }
            ],
            "synonyms": "stiffness"
        },
        {
            "senseNumber": 5,
            "definition": "the fact of being extremely plain and without any decoration",
            "labels": "(disapproving)",
            "examples": [
                {
                    "text": "The elaborate facade contrasts strongly with the severity of the interior."
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "pronunciations": {
        "uk": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/sɪˈverəti/",
                "audio": "se/severity/severity__gb_1.mp3"
            }
        ],
        "us": [
            {
                "pronunciation": "/sɪˈverəti/",
                "audio": "se/severity/severity__us_1.mp3"
            }
        ]
    },
    "wordOrigin": null
}